We're all on a journey

Sometimes we feel like we've "arrived." Life is great, and we see no reason to question what's around the corner. Other times, we hold little hope for what the next step may bring.

Still other times, we're somewhere in between. Often we wonder, "What's the point?"

These questions are all normal. God expects us to ask, and He is ready with the answers.

Take a look at some of these questions, and be encouraged by God's answers.

I've always been a really good person. Isn't that enough?

Our choices affect the outcome of our lives.

Unfortunately, we all begin our journey separated from God because we are all born into sin.

The Bible talks about it this way:

"For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard." (Romans 3:23)

No matter how "good" we see ourselves, it's God's standard of perfection that matters – and none of us meets that standard. Our sin not only causes us to be separated from God, but it also earns us a penalty of death.

To make matters worse, our efforts don't allow us to escape God's judgement or pay the penalty for our sin. We simply can't "earn" a right relationship with God.

If I can't earn salvation, does that mean I'm doomed?

No, you're not ... that's the good news!

God doesn't want us to remain separated from Him. Since there's no way we can be perfect or pay the penalty for our sin, God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to take the punishment for us. This is called "salvation."

The Bible talks about it this way:

"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." (Romans 5:8)

I want salvation. How can I receive it?

Through Christ, you have the opportunity to enjoy a personal relationship with God.

To do that, we must respond to God's offer of salvation by making the conscious decision to trust in Jesus Christ alone.

The Bible talks about it this way:

"God saved you by His special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

I have decided to trust in Jesus. What should I do next?

First, ask God to forgive you.

Then acknowledge Christ's death on your behalf as the only way to a relationship with God. Finally, thank Him for sending Christ to pay the penalty for your sin.

Remember, it's not your words that save you. It is Christ's payment of your penalty, a payment you receive by trusting in Him alone as your bridge to God. If this is truly the attitude of your heart, you now have a relationship with God through Christ. You can enjoy getting to know and love Him. And you can have confidence in this fact because of God's promises ...

"Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13)

Jesus said, "He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life." (John 5:24)

How can I stay on the journey and not lose my way?

Every relationship requires attention in order for it to grow.

It's no different in our relationship with God. There are three ways you can ensure you stay on the path of growth in your relationship with Him.

Spend time listeningFor a relationship to grow, we need to spend time getting to know the other person. God has given us the Bible to help us know His character. If you want to know Him, spend time learning what He says about Himself through the Bible.

Spend time talkingWe need to share with God what is on our hearts. We can do this by talking to Him. This is called prayer. Prayer is the way we share our hearts with God. Of course, God already knows everything, but He still wants us to communicate with Him about our desires and needs.

Spend time with others who have trusted ChristWhen we place our faith in Christ, we join a community of other people who have placed their faith in Christ. This community is called the church. Local churches provide a great resource for us to deepen our understanding of God's character. Others who know Christ can also teach us to mirror His character in our lives.

Now it's time to spread the good news!

Once you've made the decision to follow Christ, you'll want to tell others about your journey. This news is simply too good to keep to yourself!

We'd love to hear about your decision, and we definitely want to support you in your journey. Please stop by, give us a call at 515-287-8580, or send us an email.

If you are seeking a local church to attend, we would be honored if you would pay us a visit here at Crossroads. Join us for worship every Sunday at 9:30 a.m.